Jasper Harris

Published 10:12 am, Saturday, September 15, 2012

Jasper "Jack" Green Harris Jr. slipped away from this world peacefully on August 30, 2012 after a valiant 27- month battle with a rare and aggressive form of dementia. He was 66.

A beautiful baby born in Jackson, MS on September 6, 1945, Jack was the beloved only child of Jasper G. Harris, Sr. and Orna J. Harris,née Fortenberry. He was their late life baby and they are rejoicing to have their son with them again.

He is a 1963 graduate of WilliamP.MurrahHigh School, Jackson, MS.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Infantry enlisting in 1968. Private (PV2) Harris was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Dix, NJ. PV2 Harris received citations as an M14 Sharpshooter and Expert M16 Marksman. He also earned the US Army Parachutist Badge having made 24 jumps. Jack received an honorable discharge from the Army Reserve in August 1974.

Jack moved to Waco, TX in 1963 to attend BaylorUniversity. He was a proud Baylor graduate, having earned a BA degree in History in 1967 and his Juris Doctorate in 1970. He earned admission to the Texas State Bar in 1970 and practiced law in the Houston metropolitan area for the next 40 years. He worked as a staff attorney in the reimbursement division for the TX Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation from1986-1992. Jack opened his own general law practice specializing in criminal law until his retirement in August 2010.

Jack has one son, Michael Chadwick Harris, with his first wife Mary Elizabeth née Warren. An avid sports enthusiast, Jack enjoyed many years with his son on the playing fields of the Alief Youth Association (AYA) managing T-ball, championship Little League teams (All Star Division Championship) and Pony League(All Star Team). He coached the AYA Vikings football team to a championship. He also coached the YMCA basketball team, the Gobots.

Jack always believed in community work. He served as the President of the Alief/Southwest Chamber of Commerce and was also the President of Alief Noon Lions' Club. He was elected to the Alief ISD Board of Trustees. Jack was a member of The Baylor University Law Alumni Association and participated in the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Association. He also volunteered and sponsored numerous events for the Midtown Management District.

A running enthusiast he enjoyed participating in numerous long-distance runs benefiting area charities. He faithfully ran 9-miles a week for years and took excellent care of his body.

Jack enjoyed traveling, especially the mountains and any place that was cold. Highlights of his travels include England, Canada, and much of the U.S. He traveled to Canada numerous times and always attended hockey games while visiting. He went to Alaska in the winter of 2003 and rode part of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race. Another hobby Jack enjoyed was politics, especially during election season. Jack loved anything sports related and he carefully planned his Saturdays, during the college sports season, around game day.

By chance in 2004, Jack met the love of his live, Cynthia. Together they traveled, enjoyed the company of friends and family, ate at the very best restaurants and shared wonderful times. Together with unwavering love and faith they walked on his tumultuous journey home, because this is what it means to be married and in love.

Jack and Cynthia are blessed with dear friends and family, who made his 66th birthday a very special event. For all the love, the prayers, the friendship circle, the birthday cards, the champagne and visits, thank you with all of our hearts.

Cynthia sought out only the very best care for Jack. The family would like to thank the renowned Gustavo C. Román, M.D., Director, Alzheimer & Dementia Center Methodist Neurological Institute. He is also the Director of the NantzNationalAlzheimerCenter and Jack S. Blanton Distinguished Endowed Chair at the Methodist Neurological Institute. The amazing Therese Bilnoski and the entire Methodist Team. The exceptional Dr. Deepti Mishra of the Memorial Hermann System for her dedication to quality care.

We would also like to thank, Deborah Harney, Pat Arp, and the staff of The Hampton. Griswold Special Care for the outstanding quality care. Jack's personal angel Mrs. Ada Farlough. Ada is the person who impacted his quality of life in a most positive way, after his wife Cynthia. Hallmark Hospice, Laura Howard, Joanie Taylor. Baywood Crossing, Pasadena and all the wonderful CNAs and aides, you were with him to the end and paved the way for us to say good bye.

He is survived by his wife of 5-years Cynthia Alvarado, his son Michael Chadwick "Chad" Harris (Elizabeth) of Richmond, TX. His dear family. First cousin Catherine Bates of Forest, MS. His best friend H. Clay Moore and Squire Lex and numerous close family friends.

Jack loved being a Baylor Bear. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jasper Harris to the Baylor Law School General Scholarship Fund, One Bear Place, #97288, Waco, TX76798.

Donations may also be made to A Community of the Servant Savior - Building Fund, 11303 Hughes Road, Houston, TX77089

A memorial service is planned for Friday, September 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Niday Funeral Home 6777 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77505